Around 1.3 tonne gutkha seized in Pernambut; three arrested

Three persons were arrested after police seized around 1.3 tonnes of gutka during a surprise check at a godown in Pernambut town near Katpadi in Vellore on Thursday.

Police said the arrested persons were identified as A. Rawther Ahmed, 50, A. Kahja Sheik, 20, and R. Pares Ahmed, 30. They are relatives and residents of Pernambut town.

Initial inquiry revealed that constable S. Nandakumar got an alert that a few dealers had stocked gutka in a rented building in the town. Based on orders of A. Mayilvaganan, Superintendent of Police (SP), Vellore; a special team led by Inspector K. Prabhu conducted a surprise check in the rented building, which is used as godown to stock essential items for groceries in the town.

During the checks, police found around 1.3 tonnes of gutka in 20 gunny bags. The consignment was heading to industrial towns like Sriperumbudur and Oragadam in Kancheepuram where the banned product was planned to be sold to retail dealers. A case was registered by Pernambut police. Arrested persons were lodged at Central Prison in Vellore. A probe is underway.